Earthquake Damage Temporarily Closes BLM Field Office

Damage from a 7.2 magnitude earthquake 40 miles southwest of El Centro, CA has caused the BLM to temporarily close the El Centro Field Office until further notice.

Visible damage to the field office includes interior ceiling lighting, tiles, and duct work falling to the ground as well as numerous file and storage cabinets toppled over. The building was unoccupied at the time of the earthquake. Structure integrity is currently being assessed.

While damage assessment is completed and alternate worksites are considered, a BLM public contact representative will be available at the El Centro Chamber of Commerce, 1095 South 4th Street, El Centro, CA (760) 352-3681 beginning Tuesday morning to handle normal day to day phone and walk-in inquiries. Direct access to the field office staff is currently unavailable. The public will be notified as soon as an alternative worksite has been established and phone service has been restored.

If further assistance is needed, contact Stephen Razo (951) 697-5217 or David Briery (951)-697-5220, BLM California Desert District External Affairs.